British Gas Smart Energy Meters

[Resolute]

Does anyone on here know much about the new BG Smart Energy Meters? Apparently they are recruiting loads of engineers to fit around 20 million gas and electricity meters over the next 10 years.

I've been offered the opportunity to join the team but it involves 22 weeks training and not sure whats involved and exactly how much if it is plumbing and how much is sales - grateful if anyone has any knowledge they can share.

Cheers,
Pete.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

I know what they do

simply send meter readings to BG automatically

Im not sure why it takes 22 weeks to be trained though???

If the pay for the training stacks up then its not to be sniffed at!

 

[Resolute]

I know what they do

simply send meter readings to BG automatically

Im not sure why it takes 22 weeks to be trained though???

If the pay for the training stacks up then its not to be sniffed at!

Cheers Tom, pay isn't great (£13k) during training - will look into it a bit further though.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

hmmm, if the hours are short then its worth while or if the pay after training is good then suffering 22 weeks of poor pay may be worth it, it all depends really.

Its a case of looking at the whole offer, how much work when your trained is guaranteed etc

13k is very low though, you get morefrom 'you wun fires wiv at?'

 

[Resolute]

hmmm, if the hours are short then its worth while or if the pay after training is good then suffering 22 weeks of poor pay may be worth it, it all depends really.

Its a case of looking at the whole offer, how much work when your trained is guaranteed etc

13k is very low though, you get morefrom 'you wun fires wiv at?'

Pay only rises to £18k for two years following the training. Plus 10% bonus is possible.

I'll see what the training covers and what qualifications it covers then I'll make a decision.

 

[anz]

I think this training is for non Gas Safe registered 'Engineers'. It's like an apprenticeship where they out you through your ACS, etc.

 

[Resolute]

I think this training is for non Gas Safe registered 'Engineers'. It's like an apprenticeship where they out you through your ACS, etc.

Now if that's the case I'd be interested, however when I asked on the phone they couldn't tell me what qualifications you'd achieve.

 

[tamz]

The 22 weeks training would probably be to start someone off from scratch.

 

[REDSAW]

try doing some math too.
22 weeks at £13k is £590 a week.
then they put you on £18k for 48 weeks?.

explain?.

 

[tamz]

The smart meters work by sending a signal to the smart electric meter which sends the signal to the network. It is easier to train gas guys to do limited scope electrics than the other way around so the gas guy will also be fitting electric meters.............it is only 4 wires after all
Things are evolving tho and there is another smart thing out that need no connection through the electric.
ADM Smart Metering Solution - Smart Metering Systems
Maybe all those meter jobs won't come to much after all and some guy on minimum wage will be clipping the block on.

 

[Rob Sale]

Now if that's the case I'd be interested, however when I asked on the phone they couldn't tell me what qualifications you'd achieve.

My tutor was on about it today you get Met1 meter installers qualification and they give you extra training in electrics to fit the electric smart meter aswell for some energy companies. My tutor also said BG will also have to replace the current smart meters as they only talk to BG when they meant to be able talk to all suppliers so people can move suppliers easily.

 

[tamz]

The energy suppliers and the gov are at another big con here. Smart metering is put over as a benefit for the end user where in reality it is for the benefit of the supplier.

 

[Resolute]

try doing some math too.
22 weeks at £13k is £590 a week.
then they put you on £18k for 48 weeks?.

explain?.

22 weeks earning a rate of £13k per year - would jump at it if it was £590 a week!

 

[Rob Sale]

I think its 13k pa so it would be 13k divide by 52 weeks which is £250 over a period of 22 weeks which is £5500. then 18k pa over the rest of the year Which would be £346.15 per week for the other 30 wks which is 10.5k. So in your first year you'll earn 16k in your first year before paying tax.

 

[tamz]

I think its 13k pa so it would be 13k divide by 52 weeks which is £250 over a period of 22 weeks which is £5500. then 18k pa over the rest of the year Which would be £346.15 per week for the other 30 wks which is 10.5k. So in your first year you'll earn 16k in your first year before paying tax.

after tax you are better sitting in the bookies!

 

[fuzzy]

I know what they do

simply send meter readings to BG automatically

Im not sure why it takes 22 weeks to be trained though???

If the pay for the training stacks up then its not to be sniffed at!

you need gas and electric quals to do it, that may be why

anyone know who does the training? or is it only BG who can do it?

 

[Resolute]

you need gas and electric quals to do it, that may be why

anyone know who does the training? or is it only BG who can do it?

Apparently it's all in house at the moment, the main draw back is that the training isn't recognised outside of BG yet.

 

[Rob Sale]

But other companies are approaching local colleges like Carnegie college about setting up courses because they have a five year window in the government contract to complete it. hence why its on hold in some companies as they believe, currently its an impossible task to do. They think it will take 8-10 yrs, hence why they are hesitant in signing the government contract in case they get fined. Apparently they want people pre trained or part trained. i.e Met1.

 

[bubblegas]

I've just quit from being a "Smart energy expert", fitting smart meters for BG. I didn't have to do the training as I had meter experience so went straight in at £19k.
I found the job and company to be a shambles, too many issues to list here. And there's constant pressure to sell boilers/contracts etc.. Just my opinion but it may be wise to look elsewhere

 

[Resolute]

I've just quit from being a "Smart energy expert", fitting smart meters for BG. I didn't have to do the training as I had meter experience so went straight in at £19k.
I found the job and company to be a shambles, too many issues to list here. And there's constant pressure to sell boilers/contracts etc.. Just my opinion but it may be wise to look elsewhere

Cheers for that Bubble, I thought there maybe a big sales aspect to it.

I've just started some reactive maintenance so hopefully that'll work out and I'll stick with it. I was more interested in case I could get some training towards gas but it doesn't look like it and they want you to commit to 2.5 years!